A scale model of the Metropolis Plaza buildings was on show at the Mepa hearing yesterday. Photo: Jason Borg

The planning authority yesterday renewed a permit for the development of the Metropolis Plaza in Gżira that will include the tallest building on the island.

The permit for the €60 million, mixed-use, lifestyle development project had been approved by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in March 2009 but it never got off the ground and the new owners decided to renew the permit.

The Metropolis Plaza will have three high-rise buildings consisting of 13, 27 and 33 floors over a public piazza that connects Enrico Mizzi and Testaferrata streets.

The tallest building in Malta is the business tower at Portomaso, which stands 23 storeys high.

The high-rise development will include 191 residential units and ancillary amenities for residents, including a health club, leisure facilities, offices, retail outlets, a supermarket and 500 parking spaces distributed on four underground levels.

Architect Edwin Mintoff told a Mepa public hearing the open space was generous, similar to St John Square in Valletta. He noted that the square would be level with the road, adding to the regeneration of Testaferrata Street. The developers aim to create a catalyst project for urban regeneration that would encourage further high-quality redevelopment in the area.

It will have three buildings consisting of 13, 27 and 33 floors

The site was formerly occupied by motor vehicle importers and sellers and the land use included showrooms, offices, car repair workshops and maintenance garages.

With a total area of 6,700 square metres, the site has an orthogonal shape fronting four streets including Rue d’Argens, Enrico Mizzi, Giorgio Mitrovich and Testaferrata.

Although located within the Msida local council area, it borders areas falling under the Gżira and Ta’ Xbiex councils.

The planning board yesterday renewed the full development permit, including minor amendments to some of the residential units that followed recommendations made by the National Commission Persons with Disability.